SMITHTOWN, NY – A 16-year-old Colombian national living in Nesconset has been indicted on felony weapons charges after allegedly bringing a stolen handgun, ammunition and a knife into Smithtown High School West, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
The teenager was arraigned November 10, 2026, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Kerr on charges of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Prosecutors said the firearm had previously been reported stolen.
The investigation began after students alerted school administrators to a social media photograph allegedly showing the teenager holding a handgun. Three students separately reported seeing the image, according to prosecutors.
Weapon Discovered During School Investigation
According to investigators, the school’s principal was interviewing the teenager about an earlier incident involving another student when administrators learned of the social media photograph.
A subsequent search of the student’s backpack allegedly uncovered a Kahr P380 handgun, an extended magazine containing five rounds of ammunition and a small kitchen knife with a cover.
The student was arrested at the school on October 27, according to the Suffolk County Police Department’s original announcement. Fourth Precinct officers responded to Smithtown High School West, located at 100 Central Road, following a report that a student had posted a photograph involving a firearm.
Initial statements from Smithtown Central School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur described the handgun as unloaded, with ammunition recovered separately. However, subsequent court documents described the weapon as loaded. Under New York law, a firearm may be considered loaded for purposes of certain weapons charges when a person possesses ammunition capable of being fired from it, even if the ammunition is not inside the gun.
In additional reporting, Greater Long Island reviewed the felony complaint and reported that the firearm had been listed as stolen from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The publication also reported that orders of protection were issued for two students who helped identify the teenager to school officials.
School Safety Concerns Followed Arrest
The discovery prompted concern among students and parents, with school officials acknowledging the seriousness of bringing a weapon onto campus.
In an October 27 communication to families, Superintendent Secaur said administrators had been investigating a conflict between students when they became aware of the photograph. He also indicated that officials were not aware of a specific threat against another student, staff member or the school district at that time.
According to News 12 Long Island, police increased their presence at the high school following the arrest and a separate investigation into reports of a potential additional threat. Authorities said they found no credible evidence of that threat. School safety concerns also led the district to cancel its annual Safe Halloween celebration, according to additional reporting by News 12.
District Attorney Credits Students Who Reported Photograph
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney praised the students who notified school officials, saying their actions helped authorities intervene before anyone was harmed.
“School should be a place where both students and faculty feel safe every day,” Tierney said.
Tierney encouraged other students to report concerning activity, emphasizing the importance of early intervention when weapons or potential threats are brought to the attention of school officials.
Felony Charges and Immigration Detainer
During the November 10 arraignment, prosecutors announced that the teenager had been indicted on three felony counts. The most serious, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, is classified as a class C violent felony under New York law.
Justice Kerr ordered bail set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond. The defendant is represented by attorney George Terezakis, and the next court appearance is scheduled for November 23, 2026.
The district attorney’s office also identified the defendant as a Colombian national who is unlawfully present in the United States. According to prosecutors, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer seeking custody of the teenager following the criminal prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Yinping Liang of the Major Crime Bureau. Detective Harvey Royce of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Squad conducted the investigation.
Key Facts & Details
| Incident | Alleged firearm possession at Smithtown High School West |
| Location | 100 Central Road, Smithtown, New York |
| County | Suffolk County |
| Date of Arrest | October 27, 2026 |
| Indictment Arraignment | November 10, 2026 |
| Defendant | 16-year-old Colombian national residing in Nesconset |
| Firearm | Kahr P380 handgun, reportedly stolen |
| Additional Items | Magazine containing five rounds and a covered kitchen knife |
| Felony Charges | Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon; weapon possession on school grounds; fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property |
| Bail | $50,000 cash; $100,000 bond; or $500,000 partially secured bond |
| Next Court Date | November 23, 2026 |
| Prosecuting Agency | Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office |
The indictment marks the latest development in an incident that raised school safety concerns across the Smithtown community. Authorities have credited students who reported the photograph with helping school administrators and police recover the weapon, while the criminal case now proceeds through the Suffolk County court system.
